Seeking Buddhists in London

Spectral

Hi everyone, I'm Spectral, I've just joined.

I've been interested in Buddhism since 2003. I read alot of books on Buddhism, Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, Zen Teachings of Hung Po, Buddhist Scriptures and others and visited different temples and centres around London. Since then my interested has wavered but now I'm determined to get fully back into Buddhism and live as a Buddhist. Doing that can be tricky in London but now I'm ready for it.

I've previously visited many temples and centres (including Zen meditation - Highbury, Tibetan Buddhist Meditation - Notting Hill, Thai temple - Wimbledon, London Buddhist Centre - Bethnal Green, Kagyu Samye Dzong Centre - Waterloo and Spa Road) but it seems difficult to build these centres into my daily experience. Also because I suffer from extreme claustrophiobia and find the traditional meditation position very uncomfortable because I've got a bad back, I tend to shy away from group meditation.

I have also previously tried Sahaja Meditation in Covent Garden and Hare Krishna chanting, both of which I enjoyed to an extent but both of which failed to hold my attention for very long because of the above reasons.

So I find myself a lone Buddhist in London. Still reading. Occassionally visiting temples and centres, but usually just before they close so I can wonder around on my own. Buddhism is about discovering your own individual spiritual path isn't it? That's why I'm at odds with the group mentality alot of it offers. I'm a very private, shy person and find enormous value in my personal, solitary exploration of Buddhism so far but it's nevertheless a pretty lonely exploration.

My enquiry is this: Is there anybody else in London who is into or wants to get into Buddhism in a more personal, individualist, friendly way? If there is someone it would be nice to hear of your experiences and understanding.

Thanks, Spectral.

Humble

My advice is checking this website for local communities and becoming involved in them.

http://www.buddhanet.info/wbd/country.php?country_id=76

upalabhava

Spectral wrote: »

So I find myself a lone Buddhist in London.

Ah! We have spotted the solitary rhinoceros khaggavisana londonii. What a rare opportunity indeed! Let us watch as he seeks out his mates.

If you gain a mature companion,
a fellow traveler, right-living & wise,
overcoming all dangers

go with him, gratified,
mindful.

If you don't gain a mature companion,
a fellow traveler, right-living & wise,

wander alone

like a king renouncing his kingdom,
like the elephant in the Matanga wilds,

his herd.

We praise companionship

— yes!

Those on a par, or better,
should be chosen as friends.
If they're not to be found,

living faultlessly,

wander alone like a rhinoceros.

Spectral

Thanks for your replies but they're very vague and totally ignore my question.

Mountains

Spectral - we here at NB are from all over the world. Your better bet is to try to find a local London resource to look for people close to you. I'd love to join you, but it's a four hour drive to Dulles, then a six hour flight to Heathrow for me

Craigslist is a great resource for this sort of thing...

Best of luck in your search..

caz

http://www.meditateinlondon.org.uk/

Have a search around and Im sure you will find a place that clicks with you.

Engyo

Hi, Spectral -

Here is a temple in London:

http://www.nichiren-shu.org.uk/

I have met Rev. Tsukamoto; he is a very warm and caring person.
Hope this helps.

Spectral

Thank you for these kind gifts.